If you have read my comments in other threads, I have mentioned that I suspect my 9 months old pup has HD, mainly because the vet (not my usual one) said so when I brought her in because she was limping. She is no longer limping though but I am still scared because she has had some really bad slips on wet floors when she was younger. She still doesn't show any of the symptoms I read online and some of them are natural in show lines or so I read. I don't feel any popping when I put my hands on her hips while she walks and she still loves playing, has no difficulty getting up, runs, trots, you get the point but I figured it could still be too early. It is really hard finding a vet with x-ray here and I read some really bad reviews such as false diagnosis of the only one I knew. So if there is any other symptoms that you know of please do tell me. On a happier note, I wanted to share some pictures I took of her today

My last dog had severe HD and was diagnosed at 4 months with x-rays. Despite her condition she lived a full life, passing just before her 16th birthday.

We managed the disease by limiting running, jumping and other activities that are hard on joints. We kept her lean and fit. She ate like a queen and ran our lives like the shepherd she was. Around 5yrs we started her on Rimadyl and ramped things up as she needed them.

All the while we kept focussing on the positive, enjoying her for the wonderful dog she was. And that is my point. Focus on the now, the positive, what you can do and try not to worry so much about the disease. That is if she even has it. Which she might not. I haven't read your other threads but it seems you already have a pretty good understanding of the symptoms. Keep an eye out for the symptoms as she ages while trying not to worry about them too much.

Dogs and perhaps GSDs in particular (among other breeds) study their humans and read our emotions. Our feelings are an open book to them. If you worry too much and stress about it your dog will pick up on that and stress along with you. I know my Maddie did that. I had to check myself along the way when I started worrying about her disease. It upset her tremendously to see me worry.

My last dog had severe HD and was diagnosed at 4 months with x-rays. Despite her condition she lived a full life, passing just before her 16th birthday.

We managed the disease by limiting running, jumping and other activities that are hard on joints. We kept her lean and fit. She ate like a queen and ran our lives like the shepherd she was. Around 5yrs we started her on Rimadyl and ramped things up as she needed them.

All the while we kept focussing on the positive, enjoying her for the wonderful dog she was. And that is my point. Focus on the now, the positive, what you can do and try not to worry so much about the disease. That is if she even has it. Which she might not. I haven't read your other threads but it seems you already have a pretty good understanding of the symptoms. Keep an eye out for the symptoms as she ages while trying not to worry about them too much.

Dogs and perhaps GSDs in particular (among other breeds) study their humans and read our emotions. Our feelings are an open book to them. If you worry too much and stress about it your dog will pick up on that and stress along with you. I know my Maddie did that. I had to check myself along the way when I started worrying about her disease. It upset her tremendously to see me worry.

Thank you very much. You must have taken care of Maddie very well if she lasted for 16 years. Most sites I read talked about dogs having to be euthanized within a few years which is what makes me worry. I have been limiting her running especially on hard ground ever since the vet told me about it but she gets really upset as she is really hyperactive (even after walks and swims) and running a few rounds around my yard which has a portion of hard ground and grass used to be her way of releasing her energy. What upset me most was when she killed a sparrow the other day, something she has never ever done before. I am scared that as time progresses she will develop more behavioural issues. But of course keeping her healthy is my priority.

She could also have panosteitis "pano", commonly referred to as growing pains. I would not jump to the diagnosis of hip dysplasia just because she slipped on the wet floor a few times. She could just as easily has twisted/sprained or strained some ligaments and/or tendons and these usually get better with time.

Beautiful dog! The only way to diagnose hip dysplasia is with x-rays. I have a 7 year old mixed breed with moderate to severe hip dysplasia that was diagnosed at 8 months of age. I keep her lean, give her glucosamine, and she stays active. I limit her jumping and running on hard surfaces, but otherwise, she keeps up with the other dogs just fine. When she was first diagnosed, my vet told me the worst thing I could do was let her get fat and lazy. It's hard for me not to worry, especially as she gets older, but in spite of her bad hips, she does great. There are lots of things that can cause limping in a young dog including injuries or pano. Hopefully it's nothing to worry about with your girl.

don't make yourself sick with worry. The vet can't make a diagnosis without an x ray . Looks like you are doing everything right . The dog looks to be in good physical condition , good weight and lots good exercise in water .

If she has radiographic evidence of bad hips, start her on a joint supplement, keep her thin, fit and happy. Add in NSAIDS on bad days.

The vet I work for know is a big believer in treating the dog, not the X-ray. So, if she is happy and running and playing, let her. Of course within reason. Not a lot of leaping and jumping and climbing. But hiking, swimming, walking all are great to build and maintain muscle, which will support her hips and help her manage.

But you need to stop assuming and get X-rays done. Then you know. Cause you may be surprised and find out she is just going through a wobbly teenage stage with a bit if Pano.

She could also have panosteitis "pano", commonly referred to as growing pains. I would not jump to the diagnosis of hip dysplasia just because she slipped on the wet floor a few times. She could just as easily has twisted/sprained or strained some ligaments and/or tendons and these usually get better with time.

A soft tissue injury from slipping and falling on a hard surface could also cause temporary limping, as WVGSD mentioned.

Even if it is HD, there are various grades. Many dogs with minor HD go on to lead normal lives with very few restrictions, and with severe HD there are several kinds of surgery, although it may not be available in your country. Unless your dog is in such pain that the quality of life is very bad, I would not consider euthanasia. HD shouldn't be causing behavior issues, I would guess going after a bird is just normal prey drive stuff.

Actually she has stopped limping a long time ago, it's just that I can't get what the vet said off my mind. I really want to get an x-ray but I am having trouble finding a vet who does that here. You guys might be right about her having pano as she is normal now. Thank you so much for your answers.

. What upset me most was when she killed a sparrow the other day, something she has never ever done before. I am scared that as time progresses she will develop more behavioural issues. But of course keeping her healthy is my priority.

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